Washington, D.C. is a tourist mecca for those interested in history and politics as well as a locale where many people are transferred by their businesses. What many couples in D.C. look for are those interesting and romantic getaways near D.C. The following locations offer a variety of things to do and are close enough to go for a weekend.

Salamander Resort & Spa

With 340-acres of picturesque landscaping, the one year old Salamander Resort & Spa has plenty of room to offer exciting activities.

Location: Middleburg, Virginia

Average price: $3500.00 for 3 and 4 night packages; $905 for one night packages; or $610 for a 4-hour day trip- zero nights, weekdays only – are all prices per couple.

How long to get there: 1.5 hours

What to do there: Horseback riding including trail rides, riding lessons, workout classes, various yoga disciplines, Pilates, water Zumba, stretching exercises, bike rides, kickbox exercise training, cooking classes with Washington, DC and New York City chef of the day, clay shooting, military off-road driving, nature walks with guide, animal tracking, falconry, tree top zip tours, exclusive golf privileges at The Club at Creighton Farms, access to Evergreen Country Club, Bull Run Golf Course, and Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club.

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The Greenbrier

A 5-star resort, The Greenbrier resort is a National Landmark with activities for the romantics and families, as well. It’s even pet friendly! One of the few romantic getaways near D.C. area with indoor and outdoor tennis as well as a spa that encompasses 40,000 square feet; this is a perfect option for a getaway weekend.

Annapolis, Maryland

Location: Annapolis, Maryland

How long to get there: 45 – 1 hour

What to do there: Since Annapolis is on the Chesapeake Bay, there are sailing opportunities and other activities to enjoy. Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake cruise is geared toward children but a lot fun anyway; Arabella offers 5-night cruises on the Bay in the summer only; Woodwind Cruises on the bay for day trips; you can charter private yachts and there are boat parties that you might want to look into; Maryland Seafood Festival is held in Annapolis, air shows, free concerts in the park, and the Maritime Museum has displays of live sea life.

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Brandywine Valley

Brandywine Valley is a nature lover’s paradise tucked neatly away south of Philadelphia in the Kennett Square area. Originally the DuPont Family owned most of the valley and have sold part and donated part over the years.

Longwood Gardens showcases over 11,000 different types of plants and has an indoor Conservatory that spans 4-acres. Longwood Gardens was Pierre S. DuPont’s horticultural project and hobby in his lifetime and stands now as his legacy.

Brandywine Valley also offers tours of estates and mansions from the golden era of American industrialists. If you should happen to experience a rainy afternoon, take a trip to the Brandywine River Museum where Wyeth paintings are on display.

Location: Pennsylvania – Delaware line

How long to get there: 5.5 hours traffic dependent

What to do there: Longwood Gardens, mansion tours, art museums.

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Baltimore, Maryland

As a major seaport, Baltimore has some unique sites to see, foods to eat and things to do that you will not find in other places. If you are taking romantic getaways near D.C. on a Friday and plan to leave during D.C.’s rush hour traffic, it is always a good idea to add 45-minutes to the normal travel time.

Location: 39 miles north of Washington, D.C. in Maryland

How long to get there: 1.5 hours traffic dependent

What to do there: Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key wrote the star spangled banner has tours that include a guide book for a very inexpensive $7. Grab some food to go that fit with your idea of a picnic and head out to sit on lawn overlooking the harbor, play with a Frisbee or do nothing but talk to each other. If you are a baseball or football fan, try to snag some tickets for one of the pre-season or demonstration games – even if you’re not a Baltimore fan.

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St. Michaels

On the opposite of the Chesapeake from Washington, D.C. is a little Maryland town with a phenomenally rich history and plenty to see and do. The Black slave experience in coming to America begins in this and other ports.

Location: Maryland’s Eastern Shore

How long to get there: 1.5 -2 hours traffic dependent

What to do there: River Boat Cruises are a favorite for romantic getaways with food and drink included in very reasonable prices. St. Michaels Winery offers tours of its boutique wines and gifts you a glass or bottle to take with you. Eastern Shore Brewing has beer tastings and tour of the site. Tastings are free. Chesapeake Lighthouse tour is always interesting if you have yet to explore the behind the scenes operations and duties of a lighthouse operator.